Latine Heritage Month
This year’s Latine Heritage Month theme, Fuerza es Unidad: Creciendo Juntos, Uplifting Every Latine Experience, speaks to the intersectionality amongst all identities in the Latine community. As the La Plaza family continues to grow, it has become abundantly clear that our experiences cannot be condensed into a monolithic category and that our space is home to a vast variety of backgrounds and stories. Our goal with this year’s Latine Heritage Month is to explore and find strength in all of the intricacies that make us who we are.
As we reflect on La Plaza’s first year of establishing it’s home in VU 507 from the 25-26 academic school year, there are numerous moments of joy and resilience. The space has been home to 80+ student visits a day, weekly club meetings, Mario Kart Tournaments, academic advising sessions, and culturally responsive programming that continue to commemorate the space. The impact that La Plaza has had on students is not something that can be sustained without the support, care, and dedication of all WWU communities, please join us this Fall in celebrating, learning, and growing through this year’s Latine Heritage Month.
Artist Statement: Arcelia Duran
As a 2nd and 4th generation Mexican-American, this year’s Latine Heritage Month theme is something that I really resonate with. Despite sharing some traditions rooted in Latine culture with my family, it would come as a surprise for others to hear that I have not celebrated popular Mexican traditions like Día de Los Muertos or Quinceañeras and would often be asked: “But aren’t you Mexican?”. Phrases like these and others pushed me to doubt my connection to my heritage. Yet, as I’ve grown older and immersed myself in the Latine community here at Western, I’ve learned that I am not alone in my experience and that there is no right, wrong, or one way to grow up or to be Latine.
Our community is filled with such immense diversity that can never be captured by just one image, story, or celebration. That’s why a quilt is such a powerful representation to showcase the warmth and strength between all our experiences. With exposed stitches to symbolize our unity and flower patches to represent communities across Latin America.
As we enter Latine Heritage Month this year, I encourage everyone to honor, uplift, listen, and share each of our journeys that led to who we are now porque “Fuerza es Unidad.”
Latine (pronounced la·ˈ ti· ne) is a gender-neutral form of the word Latino, created by LGBTQIA+, gender non-binary, and feminist communities in Spanish speaking countries. The objective of the term Latine is to remove gender from the Spanish word Latino/a, by replacing it with the gender-neutral Spanish letter E. This idea is native to the Spanish language and can be seen in many gender-neutral words like “estudiante”. –callmelatine.com
Schedule Of Events
Con Ganas Sin Miedo Photo Reception
Thursday, September 24, 4-6pm
Viking Union 507
Join us as we celebrate the start of the school year and the installation of photos taken last Spring at our “Con Ganas, Sin Miedo” photoshoot. There will be light snacks, refreshments, and crafts for everyone to enjoy.
WWU Athletics - Latine Heritage Month Celebration Men's soccer vs Seattle Pacific
Saturday, October 3, 4pm
Harrington Field
Cheer on the Vikings as they take on Western Oregon in a classic rivalry match. The celebration will feature a special halftime performance by Danza Eterna and opportunities to support Latine student clubs from La Plaza through fundraising booths. Whether you're here for the game, the culture, or both - this is a night you won’t want to miss.
Joteria Loteria
Friday, October 9, 5:30-7:30pm
Viking Union Multi-Purpose Room (MPR)
Join us for an evening of games, food, and community as we celebrate the beauty of intersectional identities. Hosted by Tacoma’s own AfroLatina diva, Queen Isabella Richards, this event is a collaboration between La Plaza, LGBTQ+ Western, and the Black Student Coalition. Come through for a joyful night that honors culture, queerness, and connection.
Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda Reception
Tuesday, October 13, 4-6pm
La Plaza (Viking Union 507)
You're invited to gather in La Plaza’s new home to honor and remember loved ones who have passed. Join us in decorating picture frames for our community ofrenda, while enjoying pan dulce and warm beverages. This is a time for reflection, connection, and celebration of life - rooted in tradition and shared in community. Bring a Photo!
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Monday, November 2, 5pm
Syre Auditorium Whatcom Community College
Join us for an evening of remembrance, culture, and celebration at this annual community event honoring Día de los Muertos. The celebration will feature a special keynote speaker, performances by Danza Eterna, live music from Aporto Versado, delicious food, and more.
This event is free and open to the public. Hosted by Whatcom Community College and WWU Multicultural Student Services.
Latine Heritage Month Planning Committee
- Arcelia Duran, La Plaza Student Program Specialist
- Alessandra Guerrero-Aviles, La Plaza Student Program Specialist
- Raul Morales Villa, Student leader, Latine Men in Higher Education, La plaza Student Program Specialist
- Sophia Ballesteros, La Plaza Student Program Specialist
- Valentina Larrondo, ESC Office Assistant, La Plaza Student Program Specialist
- Amy Salinas Westmoreland, Director, Multicultural Student Services
- Andy Aguilera, Assistant Professor of Latinx Studies
- Daisy Padilla, WCE Director of ADEI
- Dr. Lourdes Gutiérrez Nájera, Chair of Ethnic Studies and associate professor of Latinx Studies
- Dr. Vero Velez, Woodring College Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Secondary Education and Education and Social Justice
- Gabriela Martinez, Librarian
- JoeHahn, Director, LGBTQ+ Western
- Lucas Gutiérrez Senger, Senior Instructor, College of Business and Economics, College of Fine and Performing Arts
- Rodrigo Gonzalez-Juarez, La Plaza Retention Specialist, Multicultural Student Services
The History of Latine Heritage Month
Each year, Americans observe Latine Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. The observation of Latine Heritage Month started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402. This month celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Information provided by National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Community Partners & Sponsors
- ALPFA, Association of Latino Professional for America
- Danza Eterna
- LGBTQ+ Western
- LMHE, Latine Men in Higher Education
- LSU, Latine Student Union
- MEChA, Movemento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlán
- Multicultural Student Services
- SACNAS, Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science